Shane Watson is a complete cricketer: Bailey

Shane Watson inspired the Antipodeans to a straightforward seven-wicket victory in Wednesday’s Group B match, leading the way with the ball and bat.

The 31-year-old all-rounder took three wickets for 14 runs in his first three overs, before hitting 51 runs off 31 balls at the crease to help Australia cruise to victory.

Watson during a match against Ireland on Wednesday. Pic/AFP

“He is not bad, is he?” Bailey said of Watson. “His fielding could probably improve a little.

“No (I am joking), he is a complete cricketer and I think the starts are so important for Twenty20s.

“He is bowling our first over, opening the batting and sets the tone for us. He was outstanding for us today (Wednesday).

“I thought our fielding was a little sloppy. I thought we started really well, had them four down and then we just took our foot off the peddle a little bit. That is probably not good enough.

“I am thrilled with that performance. I thought we started really well and Watto certainly led the charge with the ball and finished it off with the bat.”

Ireland counterpart William Porterfield was less happy with a performance that saw him go out for a duck in the first ball of the match. “We are a better side than that,” the Ireland captain said. “The start wasn’t great, losing those four wickets pretty early,” he added. — PA Sport